ABOUT
About Young Airport Solutions
Young Airport Solutions, LLC is a consulting firm founded by Catherine L. Young in 2026 to support the unique needs of general aviation public-use airports throughout New England. By focusing exclusively on the Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont corridor, I provide localized expertise and hands-on guidance to help airports thrive as vital economic engines.
Catherine L. Young, A.A.E. – President
Catherine L. Young brings more than 20 years of hands-on airport management and aviation industry leadership experience.
Catherine L. Young, AAE, IACE
Qualifications and Airport Experience
7 years airport business developer. Initiated and Implemented airport business plans to then establish business development efforts at five general aviation airports in CT to improve economic impact and growth. Organized work priorities to improve public/tenant/peer outreach, data tracking, benchmarking and on-line promotion. Partnered with on and off airport stakeholders.
18+ years airport operations manager. Managed airport administration, operations and training activities for a CT state-owned general aviation airport. Managed overall planning, direction and record keeping of airside, landside, facilities maintenance, construction, inspection and public safety operations; community relations; and safety and security compliance matters for air carrier, corporate, military and GA tenant operations. Administered annual operating budget, purchasing and inventory control. On call 24/7.
13+ years working in progressively responsible human resource management positions. Appointed as HR Programs Manager for the Aviation Director’s Office to direct performance management skills training for 300+ supervisors and project management training for 50+ engineers. Wrote Port Authority of NY & NJ Aviation Department monthly business performance reports.
Additional Accomplishments
Prepared and updated airport operations certification manual including airfield marking and lighting, emergency plan, self inspection program, snow and ice control plan, and wildlife hazard management plan.
Oversaw numerous airfield repair and renovation projects requiring construction safety and phasing plans. Directed airfield ops during installation of two early version engineered material arresting systems (EMAS) at airport primary runway ends.
Managed airport Noise Compatibility Program.
Balchen Post Award for excellence in performance of airport snow & ice control in the small airport with commercial service category.
2024-2026 New England Region Ambassador for National Academies of Science, TRB Airport Cooperative Research Program.
Project Panelist for ACRP Research Report 263: Creating Self-Directed Resiliency Plans for General Aviation Airports; published in 2024.
Professional Certifications
Accredited Airport Executive, AAE, American Association of Airport Executives
International Aerodrome Operations Certification, IACE, International Association of Airport Executives
Airport Certified Employee, ACE-Operations, American Association of Airport Executives
Education
Master of Science with Phi Kappa Phi Honors – University of Bridgeport
Bachelor of Arts – Connecticut College
Ready to transform your airport’s future? You need a partner who understands the nuances of New England aviation and has the operational "boots-on-the-ground" experience to deliver results. Let’s discuss how a customized business plan can drive revenue and efficiency at your facility.
